Texan Tradition Thrives: Politicos Swap Teams, Backstab Voters

Hold onto your hats, folks! In a plot twist so predictable it's practically a Texas tradition, Rep. Colin Allred and Sen. Ted Cruz are trading endorsements from across the aisle like they're playing political Pokémon. Allred, fresh from his Democratic nomination win, has snagged a handful of Republican turncoats, because nothing says "principles" like jumping ship for political convenience.

In a classic case of "man bites dog... again," both candidates are keeping alive a Texas tradition that predates their political careers—hell, it even predates their births. Way back in 1952, Democratic Governor Allan Shivers cozied up to Dwight Eisenhower, spawning the delightful term Shivercrats. Because who needs party loyalty when you can back the winning horse?

Shivers, a conservative Democrat with all the charm of a southern gentleman, wasn't about to hitch his wagon to some Midwestern liberal "egghead" like Adlai Stevenson. And it paid off—for a while. Shivers got reelected, but then LBJ swooped in and handed him his ass in 1956. Karma's a bitch, ain't it, Allan?

Fast forward to the '70s, and we've got John Connally, LBJ's protégé, becoming the poster boy for "Democrats for Nixon." Connally, who got famous for getting shot while Kennedy bought the farm, switched teams faster than a Kardashian changes outfits. Texas went red in 1972, and Connally formally joined the dark side a year later.

Enter Bob Bullock, the sailboat-black-eye-sporting Democrat who quipped, "I'd rather fight than switch". Bullock won his election and even cozied up to George W. Bush. Because why not endorse the guy who's gonna replace you?

Now, we've got Allred's Republican supporters lining up like they're at a clearance sale, and Cruz's Democrats following suit. Former Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger, now a Houstonian, didn't seek reelection after criticizing Trump. Shocker—criticizing Dear Leader doesn't win you GOP friends. And Harris County DA Kim Ogg endorsed Cruz after Democratic voters showed her the door for being too tough on crime.

The moral of the story? In Texas politics, loyalty is about as common as a snowstorm in July. But hey, at least it's entertaining. 🍿🥤